By: Lakan Harold Depositar, Bugle Call (2009)
This is the story of the largest class ever produced in the history of PNPA, the Class of 1998 with 341 determined souls.
“Take Charge” was the only coherent command they heard that 1st of May 1996 that transformed their gallant upperclassmen into knights of the Dark Ages. Ferocious like lions and tigers, their roaring voices reverberated on the parade ground. After an hour of onslaught, they thought they had it all, but it was just the beginning of a harder life from then on.
They were stripped of civilian habits and called a plebe, the lowest-ranking creatures in the Academy with no choice but to be obedient to the Ruling Class. They had no one to turn to except themselves, forging a bond until the day of glory.
The “Breaking Period” came to an end on the 26th day of October 1996, their Incorporation Day. As new cadets, they officially joined the long maroon line of the Cadet Corps. A new struggle had begun where they lived side by side with their upperclassmen. They slept in the same barracks but not necessarily at the same time; they ate together but with distinct civility. They played together but with tact. They prayed together but with different intentions.
As days passed, their number diminished. One by one, their classmates were either sick in bed, signing a resignation letter, or had literally jumped over the fence to go home. Those with the firm resolve to stay were left behind.
They adopted the class name “Kabalikat” (the Filipino concept of “bayanihan” where everyone joins hands to make a load lighter). Their class song “Ever Since the World Began” inspired them on their journey. That class song was awkward enough to sing while they were positioned like Pilita Corrales under the bunks, stiff from the back brace.
Then came much-anticipated Recognition Day on February 13, 1997. A handshake of recognition marked another phase, a new life, a notch higher than being the lowly plebe. The hardships paid off, and there were their loved ones in front of them, mighty proud and teary-eyed because of what they had become.
The elite members of the Silent Drill and Slow Drill platoons displayed their precision and discipline. Tradition lived on. As recognized cadets, they enjoyed privileges they thought would never come. No more trotting, no more chin-in, no more square meals, and no tapping. The Rites of Passage they waited for too long was over. Before they knew it, the Days of Class 1997 were numbered. The “passing-on” of the responsibility to the incoming ruling class inevitably took place.
Class significant milestones were the Field Training Exercises. Armed with M-14 rifles and provisions in their knapsacks, they trekked to Banilad, Batangas, on May 26, 1997, at 6:00 AM. Under the sweltering heat of the sun after walking five hours, they reached their campsite and embarked on tactical training to prepare their mind and body for actual field combat.
The dawn of overwhelming triumph was crying out loud. After their Christmas vacation, they endured the agony of waiting another three months for graduation. However, time indeed flew. The Cadet Attachment Program, commonly known as On-the-Job Training, took place a month before graduation. They were assigned to different police stations in Laguna, Cavite, and Metro Manila to get the feel of actual police, fire, and jail operations.
They had the share of limelight from the media. The issue of the alleged hazing and maltreatment in the Academy was televised. Former cadets narrated their alleged harrowing experiences with their upperclassmen. The “No Hazing Policy” was adhered to, so if anybody asked any cadet, no one could verify the truth.
On April 28, 1998, formally, their graduation coincided with the celebration of the 100th year of Philippine Independence. The Kabalikat Class of 1998 was acknowledged as the Centennial Class by the Guest of Honor, President of the Republic, His Excellency Fidel V. Ramos.
Henceforth, the 355 newly appointed Inspectors, including 14 turn-back cadets who joined their graduation, went separate ways to become leaders in their own respective public safety fields. Thirty-two joined the Bureau of Fire Protection, 12 the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and 311 joined the Philippine National Police.
At present, the KABALIKAT Class of 1998 has produced two (2) star-rank officers from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology who are still active in the service, with 335 original members still living.
Source:
PNPAAAI Records
Philippine National Police Academy